An interactive and open approach for the analysis and diffusion of geoscientific data

This paper presents APERTA, a Web-based tool for the diffusion and analysis of geoscientific data. The main feature differentiating APERTA from other Web-based data diffusion tools is that all output documents and graphics displayed are created each time a user makes a request. The databases queried by APERTA only have to store raw numerical data and the graphics are always generated from an up-to-date database. APERTA allows users to interactively analyze data on-line with standard statistical and geostatistical methods and produce various graphic documents commonly used in earth sciences such as semivariograms, contour maps and cross-sections. Another unique feature of APERTA, which is its most powerful, is that it lets the user decide how data are extracted and graphics are produced. According to their needs and to the type of data, users can thus select the data processing and the output documents required. Because they control processing, users are fully aware of the limits, accuracy and effects of processing on the graphical output. The purpose of APERTA is therefore not only to distribute data but to be a tool to quickly inspect data using an interactive document creation approach. The main features of APERTA are described here along with several examples of data analysis for hydrogeological, geochemical and geotechnical data.